Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed a bill on Thursday requiring K-12 schools to teach Asian American history.
Wisconsin currently requires that schools teach Black, Native American, and Latino American history, the release said, and the new legislation adds Asian American history into that curriculum. Considering the state’s large Hmong population, Hmong history was also added.
“It’s important that we celebrate our shared histories and honor the people who help make Wisconsin the state it is today,” Evers continued in the release, “[t]he Hmong and Asian American communities are a critical part of our state’s history, culture, economy, and our future.”
“I’ve been proud to sign several key pieces of bipartisan legislation into law to recognize the contributions Hmong and Asian American folks have made to our state and our country, and this bill builds upon those efforts, ensuring the histories and stories of Hmong and Asian American communities are part of state curriculum for future generations,” Evers continued.
Under the Evers administration, several statewide grant programs support organizations that serve Hmong and Asian American communities, including the Hmong American Center and the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. The grant supports efforts such as culturally competent mental health and healthcare.
The signing of the bill comes the same week that Evers vetoed a bill that would ban boys from competing in girls’ sports.
